Senior Quantity Surveyor / Commercial Manager (Civil Engineering / Infrastructure)
Location: Portlaoise, Co. Laois
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Salary: €90,000–€125,000+ (DOE)
Benefits: Company car, 5% pension, healthcare, EAP, career progression, professional development

About the role
We are hiring a Senior Quantity Surveyor to take full commercial ownership of multiple civils projects across the Midlands. This is a senior strategic role with a defined progression path into Commercial Manager within 6 months for the right person.

You will lead all commercial aspects of project delivery — cost control, contract management, commercial reporting, forecasting, risk — while working closely with the operations team.

Experience in estimating is essential.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the commercial strategy for assigned civil engineering/infrastructure projects.
• Take responsibility for the full commercial function on projects (typically €5m+ in value).
• Work closely with Project Managers, General Works Managers, and site teams to drive value, manage risk, and protect margin.
• Prepare, negotiate, and agree interim valuations, variations/claims, and final accounts.
• Produce regular and accurate cost/value reconciliations, forecasts, and commercial performance reports.
• Carry out feasibility studies and cost-benefit analysis to support decision making.
• Monitor budgets and cost plans throughout the full project lifecycle.
• Mentor and support junior Quantity Surveyors, helping to develop their commercial awareness and technical capability.
• Ensure contracts are administered in line with company procedures and relevant forms of contract.
• Support pre-construction and estimating, including preparing tender submissions and pricing.
• Represent the commercial function with clients, consultants, and subcontractors in a professional and commercially focused manner.

What we’re looking for

• Significant experience as a Senior Quantity Surveyor on civil engineering/infrastructure projects.
• Proven commercial leadership on contracts €5m+.
• Strong knowledge of contract administration, cost control, claims, and final accounts.
• Confident in commercial negotiation and able to influence stakeholders, both internally and externally.
• Experience producing CVRs / cost reports and presenting commercial position to senior management.
• Ability to balance assertiveness with diplomacy in client and subcontractor interactions.
• Experience in estimating/tendering (this is essential for progression to Commercial Manager).
• Strong attention to detail, commercial awareness, and risk awareness.

Qualifications (desirable)

• Degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Economics, Commercial Management, or similar.
• Chartered or working towards chartership (RICS / SCSI / CIOB or equivalent).
• Familiarity with dispute resolution, legal frameworks, contract law, Public Works Contracts/NEC.
• Ongoing commitment to professional development.

Package / Benefits

• Salary: €90,000–€125,000+ (DOE).
• Defined pathway to Commercial Manager (c. 6 months for the right candidate).
• Company car.
• 5% pension.
• Healthcare.
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
• Career progression and long-term development.
• Support for further education / professional advancement.

Who this will suit

• A strong Senior QS in civils/infrastructure who is already operating at a commercial lead level but isn’t getting the title.
• Someone who wants to step into the Commercial Manager responsibility, not just measure and report.
• Someone comfortable being accountable for the full commercial outcome of multiple live projects.

How to apply

Please apply with:

• Your CV
• A short summary of recent civil engineering/infrastructure projects you’ve commercially led (including typical project values)
• Confirmation of your experience with estimating/tendering
• Notice period and salary expectations